Lovely Girona in Spain

Many tourists arriving only to the airport and never see Girona.

Most are en route to the resorts of the Costa Brava, perhaps to destinations such as Blanes, Lloret de Mar, for shingle beaches, rows of sunbeds, raucous nightclubs and shops selling sangria in a hundred types of Spain-themed bottles.

More discerning travelers head north, to the more exclusive Costa Brava coastal villages, where prices might be higher, but the ambiance is worth the outlay.

They head straight for Barcelona, an hour away by bus from right outside the Girona terminal building.

But they’ve missed out on one of Catalonia’s most beautiful stops for a city break.

Why Girona?

For those who don’t want to languish on a beach, or battle the crowds along Barcelona’s Ramblas, Girona offers all the allure of a historic Spanish city, in a smaller, more human-sized package.

Its architecture spans Spain’s exciting past: there are Roman ruins, gloriously ornate Arab baths and multi-coloured medieval houses strung along the River Onyar.

There’s also an awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral, some Art Nouveau-period architecture for lovers of Gaudí who want to extend their repertoire, and a bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel, before he created his famous Paris tower.

Girona has chic shopping, year-round cultural events to please the most esoteric of tastes, pavement cafes for people-watchers, and a mild climate that encourages walking.

While Barcelona flaunts its appeal with the brio of a flamenco dancer, Gerona’s approach is more subtle, like a senorita peering over her fan.

Come to Girona in May for flower festival and acapella music festival

Girona Flower Festival
May is the perfect time to get to know Gerona’s charms, since this is when the city puts on its annual “Temps de Flors” flower festival.

Read more >>Girona Acappella Music Festival
And if flowers really don’t do it for you, alongside the Temps de Flors there’s another fabulous event – the Festival of A Capella music runs on the same dates.

Meander, or follow the map

Some visitors tackle the floral feast like a military campaign, map in hand, rigorously ticking off each sight on the special map from the tourist office, just near the Town Hall.

Far better is just to wander up and down Girona’s winding streets: the city is built on a hill, and although it’s possible to climb up to the ramparts and look down on its landmarks.

At street level you can go with the flow and the delight of discovery. The tourist office website is still adding new sections, but for a taster of Girona’s quaint loveliness, you can watch a city overview on this video:

Stay for less than you think

The Flower Festival is an event where a central location really pays off, so it’s worth seeking out an ideal place well in advance.

Girona has hotels and apartments for every budget and all tastes.

If you don’t need more than a clean room, a comfortable bed and obliging staff, Pensió Margarit is close to the banks of the Onyar, a pleasant meander away from the medieval centre.

The surprise here is a pretty internal courtyard, hidden behind an unremarkable front entrance. Don’t bother with breakfast – it’s uninspiring, and there are far nicer cafes nearby for morning coffee or a Catalan-style lunch.
Perhaps you’d prefer a bit more pampering. The 4-star Hotel Nord 1901 offers an impressive choice of accommodation types, from doubles and twins at surprisingly low prices to a 70 m² apartment that sleeps up to six.

Perfect for couples travelling together, and you could keep costs down by doing a bit of cooking in the kitchenette.

If that’s all too much effort, book one of the lovely suites with a loft layout, and try out some of the fabulous local restaurants.Hotel Gran Ultonia close to Girona Cathedral and the historic Barri Vell district is an other fabulous four star hotel. From the roof terasse you get a nice view of the Cathedral and surrounding area.Read more / Book now >>

Staying in Barcelona? Take a day trip

If you’re already booked up for a spring break to Barcelona, and you’d love a quick look at Girona while you’re there, you could catch a coach trip along the coast.

There’s enough time to take in a stroll around the city, before you head to Figueres, where the Dali Museum offers a treat for lovers of surreal art.Read more >>

Girona has a magical air at any time of year. But in May, when temperatures are mild and the streets are dressed up like a fairy-tale, it’s an alluring place to be.

A scented city, marvellous architecture, and music on every corner – you might be seduced into staying longer in lovely Girona next time round …

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